Private Gun Sales See Effect From New Background Check Law

Democratic state lawmakers say a new law requiring universal background checks for gun purchases is working well. Data from the Department of Public Safety shows 2 percent of private gun sales were blocked because of the law.

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Bente Birkeland reports from the state capitol

Seventy-two sales were stopped because the would-be buyer was convicted or charged with a serious crime; such as murder, sexual assault, possession of dangerous drugs and theft.

“You may think someone doesn’t have a record that you’re going to sell a gun to, you think I’ve known this person, but the fact we now have an independent agency doing the background check is really important,” said Representative Beth McCann (D-Denver), one of the main sponsors of the legislation.

Colorado's Democrats still maintain the majority at the legislature. Republicans who hold a minority in both chambers say they plan to try to repeal the gun control laws next session. They argue the background check measure puts an undue burden on law-abiding citizens.